Ongoing Sensation of Fullness and Pressure in the Upper Right Abdomen
At the age of 20, I've been experiencing an unsettling sensation of fullness in my upper right abdomen for nearly a year now. Recently, I underwent a colonoscopy to eliminate potential medical issues, but fortunately, nothing abnormal was detected. Similarly, my blood tests returned normal results, and stool samples did not indicate the presence of H. pylori, leaving me perplexed about my symptoms. The fullness I feel is akin to having a balloon inside me, and it persists regardless of eating or fasting. In fact, I could refrain from eating for five consecutive days without noticing any change in my discomfort. Strangely, when I do eat, it feels as though the food remains stagnant, making me uncomfortably full, especially if I consume a large quantity. While I'm uncertain if my condition has worsened significantly, it has remained constant, with few additional symptoms accompanying it. I did experience gas and intermittent pain in the past, along with occasional random aches that are hard to identify. Although I don’t appear noticeably bloated, I’m unable to extend my stomach outward as I typically could. My discomfort has notably improved over the past few months, yet that overwhelming sense of fullness persists unchanged. Occasionally, I feel dizzy, and I alternate between diarrhea and constipation, but I’ve always had irregular bowel habits, so these could be unrelated. Considering my past history with eating disorders — having lost significant weight and undertaking a 10,000-calorie challenge to regain it in April — I suspect this might connect to my current issues. In the following weeks after that challenge, my appetite gradually diminished due to the fullness, yet I continued to eat, convincing myself it was a mental block or due to overindulgence. I only became fully aware of my constant fullness around September, which may seem absurd, but I genuinely believed I was overeating when, in reality, it was more complicated than that. Additionally, I previously took excessive amounts of Imodium—around two pills daily for two months, then more on and off over the years—but that was a while ago. Come September of last year, I recognized that this persistent problem wasn’t going to vanish, regardless of my efforts. Doctors have conducted physical examinations and found no irregularities. Does anyone have insights on what could be causing this sensation? I’ve been pondering whether it might relate to my gallbladder. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Answers (1)
3/27/2025, 2:40:47 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a challenging and persistent sensation of fullness in your upper right abdomen, which you've experienced for almost a year now. Given that you've had thorough evaluations, including a colonoscopy and normal blood tests, it’s understandable to feel frustrated and confused about the cause of your symptoms.
Explanation
The sensation of fullness in the upper right abdomen could be related to several factors. Since your tests ruled out major gastrointestinal issues, this ongoing feeling might be associated with functional gastrointestinal disorders, such as:
- Functional Dyspepsia: This can present with a sensation of fullness, particularly after meals, and may not have an identifiable cause on standard tests.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): It often leads to symptoms such as alternating diarrhea and constipation, along with discomfort in the abdomen.
- Gallbladder Issues: While your symptoms are persistent, gallbladder dysfunction can indeed cause fullness. If gallstones or inflammation were present, other symptoms would usually accompany them.
- Gastroparesis: This condition affects stomach motility, causing feelings of fullness after eating and could explain the sensation of food feeling "stagnant."
Your history with eating disorders and prior use of Imodium can complicate your gastrointestinal function, leading to long-term changes in motility and sensitivity.
Next Steps
Here are some prioritized actions you can take to help manage your symptoms:
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Keep a Symptoms Diary: Track your symptoms, noting when they occur, what you eat, your bowel habits, and any other related experiences like dizziness. This can provide valuable insights into patterns that may help identify triggers.
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Diet Adjustments: Focus on a balanced diet low in high-fat and fried foods, which might exacerbate feelings of fullness. Consider smaller, more frequent meals instead of larger ones, and take note of any changes.
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Hydration and Fiber: Ensure adequate water intake and consider a gradual increase in fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. This can help regulate bowel habits and potentially ease symptoms.
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Mindful Eating Practices: Eat slowly and pay attention to your body's hunger and fullness cues to avoid overeating and improve digestion.
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Stress Management: Since stress can exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms, consider integrating practices such as mindfulness, yoga, or gentle exercise into your routine to help manage anxiety.
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Avoidance of Irritants: Minimize foods that commonly cause gas or discomfort (such as beans, carbonated drinks, and artificial sweeteners) to see if symptoms improve.
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Consider Balancing Motility: If symptoms persist, you may benefit from discussing medications or supplements that promote gastrointestinal motility with a healthcare professional familiar with functional gastrointestinal disorders.
If you notice any worsening of symptoms, are unable to find relief with these adjustments, or have other concerning symptoms arise, reaching out for further evaluation from a specialist in gastrointestinal motility might be beneficial.
I hope you find this information helpful. I'm here to support you as you navigate these symptoms, and I'll be glad to discuss more if needed.
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